Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores “Kick Around” Soccer Franchise Idea

Quicken Loans’ Dan Gilbert and Platinum Equity founder Tom Gores are starting the process of bringing Major League Soccer to our sports-heavy city. Already Detroit is home to Ford Field, Comerica Park, and the new Red Wings arena, all of which are within walking distance from one another. If the plans go through, it will be the first time in MLS’s twenty three year history to have a franchise in Detroit or Michigan.

Possible locations for a stadium are still to be determined, but sources suggested to the Detroit Free Press the abandoned Wayne County jail site near Greektown is a possibility, along with the riverfront or even Corktown.

Don Garber, the MLS commissioner said earlier this month that Detroit is on a list of possible places the MLS could expand to. Currently there are 20 MLS franchises, but the league would like to expand to 28. Garber will be in Detroit this week and will meet with both Dan Gilbert and Tom Gores to discuss the potential plans.

Gilbert and Gores tweeted Monday, inciting rumors of the partnership, which was confirmed today.

Hey @TomGores, you know what’s great about sports? One moment you’re rivals & the next day, you can be rooting for the same team…

Detroit is no stranger to soccer leagues with the National Premier Soccer League, and fan favorite, Detroit City Football Club, and the Premier Development League, the Michigan Bucks. The Detroit City FC brings massive crowds to each game during their summer weekend games. They will be premiering in their new home this May at the historic Keyworth Stadium in Hamtramck.

Stephanie is a Detroit resident with a hunger for great photos and adventures in the city. In her downtime, she can usually be found on the streets of Detroit photographing the city and its inhabitants.